Arrival Procedures & STARs

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A Standard Terminal Arrival Routes, STAR, is a flight route defined and published by the air navigation service provider that usually covers the phase of a flight that lies between the last point of the route filled in the flight plan and the first point of the approach to the airport, normally the initial approach fix (IAF). Hence, a STAR connects the enroute phase with the approach phase of the flight.A typical STAR consists of a set of starting points, called Transitions, and a description of routes (typically via VORs and intersections) from each of these transitions to a point near a destination airport, upon reaching which the aircraft can join an instrument approach (IAP) or be vectored for a final approach by terminal air traffic control.

What is a STAR.

Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS)• Established primarily to simplify clearance

delivery procedures• Designed to simplify the transition from enroute

phase to the approach phase– Plan your route to end at the transition fix of a

STAR, if applicable– Flight plan designation of a STAR is reverse of that

used for a Departure Procedure (DP)• DP: . from airport to transition

point• STAR: . from enroute segment

to point near the airport.

Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS)• Interpreting STARs

– The main part of a STAR begins• at a navaid or intersection• where all arrival transitions join

– Arrival route headings (NOS)• are depicted by large numerals• and heavyweight lines

– Approach control frequencies are found in the corner of the STAR

Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS)

Vertical navigation planning is intended to help turbojet and turboprop aircraft plan power settings and configurations that will result in an efficient descent with regards to fuel, time, and engine wear.

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Created by Steve Reisser

Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS)

In order to determine the DISTANCE required to make a standard descent rate of 500 fpm, use the following formula:

Alt. to lose (1000s of feet) * Estimated Ground speed (miles/min) * minutes to descend 1000 feet (based on fpm descent (1000/500)Example: You are at 10,000 ft. inbound on a STAR and have to cross an intersection at 6,000 ft. When do you begin to descend? (Assume GS is 120 Kts, 500 fpm)

(10 - 6) * (120/60) * (1000/500) = 4 * 2 * 2 = 16 NM before intersection

1000 / descent rateAltitude / 1000 GS(kts) / 60

(miles/min)(minutes to descend 1,000 feet)

Preparing for the Arrival• Remember: ATC can issue a STAR...

– Without the pilot’s request– as long as you have not indicated ‘no STAR’ – in the remarks section of your flight plan

• Know what approach to expect…– Listen to the ATIS, ASOS, AWOS– ask permission to contact the UNICOM or

FSS• Thoroughly review the approach procedure

Arrival ChartsSummary Checklist

• Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) Provide a standard method for leaving the enroute structure and entering a busy terminal area (airport).• STARs are grouped along with other airport charts in Jeppesen subscriptions, and appear in the front of NACO booklets. Legends are found in the front of the corresponding book.• If you accept a STAR, you must have at least a textual description of the procedure in your possession. A graphic description if preferable and easier to visualize.• Writing “No STAR” in the remark section of your flight plan will alert ATC that you do not wish to use these procedures during the flight. You also may refuse a clearance containing a STAR, but avoid this practice if possible.• STARs use symbology that is similar to that on graphic DPs. Altitudes are giving in reference to MSL, and distances in nautical miles.• A STAR begins at a navaid or intersection where all arrival transitions begin.• STARs are named according to the point where a procedure begins. • Arrival route headings on a NACO STAR are depicted in large numerals within a heavyweight line wile Jeppesen STARS are abbreviated with hdg next to heading in degrees.• Frequencies on which to contact A/C are found in the corner of NACO charts.• Vertical Navigation planning information is given for pilots of turbo/jet traffic.

Arrival Procedures: Summary Checklist

• ATC may assign a STAR at any time, and it is your responsibility to accept or refuse the procedure.

• Altitudes and airspeeds published on the STAR are not considered restrictions until verbally give by ATC as part of a clearance.

• After receiving the arrival clearance, certain tasks can be completed before starting your approach, including gathering weather information and accomplishing the descent and approach checklists.

• After you determine the approach in use, review the appropriate chart and create a plan of action.

• A Descend Via Clearance instructs you to follow the altitudes published on the STAR, with descent at your discretion.

• ATC may issue a descent clearance which includes a crossing altitude. Comply by estimating the distance and rate of descent required.

• Expect to make airspeed adjustments as required by ATC. Responsibility for complying with FAR 91.117 is up to the pilot in command.

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 m.p.h.).(b) Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C or Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph.). This paragraph (b) does not apply to any operations within a Class B airspace area. Such operations shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section.(c) No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph).(d) If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed.

FAR 91.117 Aircraft speed.